Speaking to The Chronicle, National University of Science and Technology (Nust) Applied Genetic Testing Centre (AGTC) director Mr Zephaniah Dhlamini confirmed that they managed to identify 11 bodies that were burnt beyond recognition using DNA profiling.
The accident occurred on July 24 when a Honda CRV and a Nissan Caravan collided at the 60km peg along Centenary-Mvurwi Road. Said Dhlamini:
There were 11 bodies and four different body parts that were picked. So we even matched the body parts to the bodies. The bodies were seriously charred and you could not identify them using the naked eye. In the process some heads had exploded and their brains were scattered. So we picked the brains and did DNA identification and everything was pieced up.
However, Dhlamini could not release the names of the deceased saying it was the work of the police to do so after notifying the next of kin. The AGTC identified the bodies as the relatives of the deceased cooperated in bringing identification samples. He also said that they are owed $21 000.
More: Chronicle
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